# Hermaszewski in space (1978)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1978-hermaszewski-in-space
Location: Space

Mirosław Hermaszewski flew aboard Soyuz 30 to the Salyut 6 station, becoming the first and, for decades, only Polish astronaut. Within the broader People'S Republic period: Shifted westward and placed under communist rule, Poland rebuilt from the war but repeatedly rose against the regime, until the Solidarity movement forced a negotiated transition in 1989. At this point in the timeline (27 June 1978), the governing authority was Henryk Jabłoński (Chairman of the Council of State), together with Edward Gierek (First Secretary of the PZPR). Historian who served as formal head of state during the Gierek era and martial law. Hermaszewski in space mattered because it placed Polish scholars and scientists at the forefront of human knowledge. The event is placed here so readers can follow it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion and culture across Polish history.

## Why it matters
Hermaszewski in space mattered because it placed Polish scholars and scientists at the forefront of human knowledge.

Ruler at the time: [Stanisław Ostrowski](https://poland-history.com/rulers/stanislaw-ostrowski)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Mirosław Hermaszewski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miros%C5%82aw_Hermaszewski)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Hermaszewski in space](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Hermaszewski+in+space)
- [Wikipedia — Polish People's Republic (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_People's_Republic)